Hunter: I'm Really Not a Nen Exorcist - Chapter 25

In the span of millennia, this vast world has harbored countless nations, each symbolizing a distinct civilization. They are like different vibrant flowers that bloom and compete for beauty in the long river of history. Eventually, many fade away due to the relentless test of time, sinking into the earth and becoming unknown relics and tombs.

Only those who have truly experienced the land can comprehend the value of these remnants of history.

Hawk is someone passionate about exploring these relics and tombs. For this reason, he developed an ability called ‘Rat Jewel,’ allowing him to move unhindered within these ancient sites. Due to the numerous tombs he’s visited, Cheadle began referring to him as a grave robber.

Hawk never retorted to this label, nor did he feel he had the right to. After all, he had indeed visited many tombs and taken artifacts from them. Even though he would only take one item and never cause damage, it couldn’t negate the fact that he was, indeed, a grave robber.

But if Cheadle would set aside her bias, her wisdom would allow her to see the nature of Hawk’s character through his ‘Rat Jewel’ ability. An individual willing to set strict constraints on himself to seamlessly navigate ancient sites might also be doing so out of respect for these historical places. The concept of ‘Red Light, Stop; Green Light, Go’ in his Nen beast ability demonstrates that he is someone willing to follow rules and stick to principles.

This also explains why Hawk only ever takes one artifact from each site. It’s a principle he’s always upheld.

However, taking only one item shouldn’t have left him in such poverty. The problem was that while others might take regular treasures, Hawk always seemed to bring out ancient objects imbued with grudges. These items were valuable, but their attached resentments made selling them no different than selling misfortune.

Calling upon an Exorcist to rid these artifacts of their grudges wasn’t simple. Not only was it challenging to find one, but the artifact and its resentment had often become intertwined. Attempting to dispel the grudge might destroy the artifact itself.

Still, Hawk took joy in his pursuits. Each new site would see him bring out an object with an attached grudge as a memento. In this sense, he was indeed a diligent transporter of resentments. It was due to this peculiar hobby that he would later meet Elena, an Exorcist. The fate of the grudge-filled artifacts he brought out was, needless to say, determined.

Moreover, since Moyu’s birth, filled with remorse, Hawk hadn’t ventured into any tombs. It’s evident that some people’s poverty isn’t without reason.

Cheadle and Moyu, unaware of the details, couldn’t comprehend Hawk’s odd behavior of collecting coins from the wishing well. Cheadle failed to understand his comedic act, and Moyu, indifferent about inheriting any wealth from his father, merely wondered how a top-tier grave robber in the Hunter world could fall so low.

As for the Exorcist Cheadle invited,

“Cheadle, I agreed not to demand an upfront fee out of respect for you. But now, I find it hard not to question if this employer even has the means to pay me,” said the bamboo-stick thin Exorcist, his emotionless face glaring at Hawk with skepticism.

Coins from a wishing well? It was absurd. His fees for exorcism ran into the billions, especially for tasks involving post-mortem Nen.

Few Nen users in the world specialized in exorcism, and even fewer could handle post-mortem resentments — less than ten to be exact. Had Cheadle not requested his assistance, he vowed never to work with someone like Hawk, who thought coins from a wishing well were a suitable payment.

“Mr. Erisel.”

Cheadle, feeling drained, turned her gaze from Hawk and looked sincerely at the tall, lanky Exorcist beside her, “Please don’t worry about the payment issue. We can immediately provide a deposit for your exorcism service, and also sign the contract right here and now.”

“I have no objections.”

Erisel looked at Cheadle, a two-star professional Hunter, attempting to muster a smile on his gaunt, pale face. But it wasn’t quite successful. The toll of constantly dealing with exorcisms might have been evident in his frail physique and difficulty in managing his expressions.

Cheadle signaled for Erisel to wait and then walked up to Hawk.

“The deposit.”

“Uh, how much is the deposit again?”

“100 million.”

“Oh, that’s okay. But the subsequent fee… Cheadle, can you give me an estimate?”

Hawk took out his phone, speaking in a hushed tone.

Cheadle frowned slightly and replied coldly, “The fee is determined by the intensity of the exorcism. Given the power of the ‘Libra,’ it wouldn’t be surprising if it starts at 1 billion.”

Hawk was momentarily dumbfounded.

Cheadle wasn’t surprised by Hawk’s reaction. She had never really expected him to afford the exorcism fee and had been prepared to foot the entire bill herself. But,

“If the problem can be solved with money, then it isn’t a problem at all. Whether Mr. Erisel can exorcise the ‘Libra’ or not, I don’t harbor expectations. But as long as he can relieve you of the price the ‘Libra’ impose, that will be enough. The premise is… Mr. Erisel can do it.”

Hearing Cheadle’s voice, Hawk’s face grew more serious as he responded, “Give me the bank account details, I’ll transfer the deposit.”

Cheadle nodded, sharing Erisel’s bank details and quickly drafted a contract.

Once the money was transferred, they signed the contract. The entire process was efficient.

Moyu observed from the side, not uttering a word.

As Cheadle mentioned, if a problem could be solved with money, it wasn’t a real problem. If the lanky exorcist could successfully dispel the price from Hawk, Moyu certainly wouldn’t use his only exorcism chance, a valuable one time ‘purification’ ability.

“So, where’s the subject I need to exorcise?”

After confirming the deposit, Erisel glanced in the direction of the main hall. He could sense the grudges within, but he wasn’t naive enough to think Cheadle had brought him here just for those minor resentments.

Cheadle looked at Hawk.

Meeting Cheadle’s gaze, Hawk hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Mr. Erisel, could you please prepare for the exorcism first?”

Erisel remained expressionless.

Naive man. The most challenging part of exorcism wasn’t in the preparation but in the ‘digestion’.

But he refrained from commenting.

“The Appetite of the Anorexic”

A surge of Nen energy coursed through Erisel.

Everyone in the room watched as Erisel’s mouth began to shrink at a visible rate…